Though I am not a Kavi (poet), we follow and have faith in the path chalked out by the real Kavis and spiritual professors—like Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, who eloquently express the myriad beautiful truths of Radha and Krishna. Through spiritual faith we progress through every stage on our way to prema (love of Krishna). Thus we see faith as our deity and never trample on the faith of others in their guru. There is so much teaching just to inform and strengthen our faith. It gives us the chance to experience in our lives and heart what the teachings describe. And our mature experience is how the conclusions of the Vedic scriptures manifest. Experience is the last word in quelling all vestiges of doubt and delusions and is the highest confirmation. Patiently we go forward feeling assured of success.

While I open the Temple
wake the Deities
give them refreshment
offering articles in worship
dressing Prabhupada & Bhaktisiddhanta
understandings come to me.

A practical demonstration
of Krishna consciousness—
no question one is a servant
while serving one’s gurus
offering prayers of submission
feeling purity and joy.
The activities are simple, only
requiring training and experience
yet one’s internal mood, all-important
spiritual concepts and focused thinking
with a loving heart is the test
the real offering is one’s self.

Anything done is imperfect
still, we do our best
understanding the philosophy
developing spiritual sentiments;
we serve because we want the goal
and have a taste for service.

If only my spiritual life
was like the blazing fire
which I see in wonder,
but there IS a fire within me
radiating power, heat and light
waiting to consume my life.
When the right conditions are manifested
with generous quantities of mercy
then my soul will awaken
so I write to share my journey
of special and even ordinarily days
with the vision of Krishna working.

My experience and reflections shared
perhaps invoking a spark within you
touching your soul’s heart
awakening innate curiosity
creating a quantum shift
changing your lens forever.
Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s message
given by acharyas and our guru
encourages us to purely walk the path
knowing the proper spiritual conclusions
so absorbed in reforming our self
that we have no interest to criticize.

Though I push my guru’s forward
telling you to read their books
they push me forward, saying:
“As we have done, so should you
teach by example, and write books
keep the flame burning while sharing it.

Though Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati isn’t our initiating guru, we can meditate on the principle of accepting a guru, or in our guru, by thinking of his life and teachings. I am reminded of this song by Shrila Bhaktivinode Thakur which expresses the mood in serving a spiritual master. We can begin by trying to accept the necessity of receiving spiritual guidance, and build on that through the purification of chanting the holy name and regularly hearing the Vedic scriptures:

“Gurudeva, give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations.

“I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly. Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease.

“O Lord and Master! When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you.

“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life.